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Lambs to the Slaughter….

While watching a History Channel documentary on cults, I was struck by how similar their leaders were and how often they used the same divine symbols, God & Jesus, to enforce their will upon their followers. Virtually the same script was followed time after time, allowing them to proclaim their divinity and use their power to completely control every aspect of their followers lives.

It boggles the mind. You have to believe that they, the cult leaders, have somehow pulled together all the weak and mindless people of their time. You certainly find it hard to believe that any rational, sane person would fall for their clap-trap. What God choosen ruler would sexually and physically abuse their flock? Why would the followers of such a man allow him to lead them to their deaths?

Cults usually originate with a living leader who is believed to be “god” or godlike by a cadre of dedicated believers. Along with a dramatic and convincing talent for self-expression, these leaders have an intuitive ability to sense their followers’ needs and draw them closer with promises of fulfillment.

Gradually, the leader inculcates the group with his own private ideology (or craziness!), then creates conditions so that his victims cannot or dare not test his claims. How can you prove someone is not the Messiah? That the world won’t end tomorrow? That humans are not possessed by aliens from another world or dimension? Through psychological manipulation and control, cult leaders trick their followers into believing in something, then prevent them from testing and disproving that mythology or belief system.

These groups are formed primarily to meet specific emotional needs of the leader. Many are psychopaths – social predators who charm, manipulate, and ruthlessly plow their way through life, leaving a broad trail of broken hearts, shattered expectations, and empty wallets. Completely lacking in conscience and in feelings for others, they selfishly take what they want and do as they please, violating social norms and expectations without the slightest sense of guilt or regret.”

Yet, it still seems impossible that so many willingly allow their lives to be completely controlled by another human being. Are we, as a race, so hungry for meaning that anyone with an ounce of charm can take away our humanity?

Tossed and turned by dark dreams, sleep comes in snatches that I steal. Outside in graying blackness, birds sing in the coming day . They’re calling, calling – longing for the sun. Spring has turned her fickle face from our yearning gaze. Denying our desire as she keeps her virtue intact.

Day after day, the rain continues. Oh it tries to get my hopes up, slowing to a fine mist, enticing me out with the dogs, only to turn into a torrent when we’re too far away to make a mad dash for shelter. It mocks me with momentary flashes of sun through dark clouds. It clutches me with cold, damp fingers – sucking all the warmth from my bones, chilling me to my soul. Dank, dark smells… the whole world is gray and foul….

There is no relief as I shiver hopelessly through another day of heartless rain.